Waterfront Tampa Bay Wedding | Same-Sex Gay Wedding
Aubrey and Tara's outdoor waterfront Tampa Bay wedding featured elegant personalized details that highlighted their love of the Florida lifestyle.
“Our favorite hobby is boating and fishing. We both grew up on the water and on boats, so we felt the nautical theme was most fitting with our likes as a couple,” Tara explained. “Aubrey is a devout fisherwoman so her bouquet was made out of fishing lures.”
The Palmetto couple celebrated their nuptials in Aubrey's childhood home, while family played an important role in the couple's wedding day. Aubrey' grandmother was her Matron of Honor and her mother, who is a Florida judge, officiated. Aubrey’s mother also designed the centerpieces and paper goods. While Tara wore pearls that were passed down from her mother.
“We wanted to have a wedding that we would want to go to, even if we weren't the ones getting married,” Tara shared. “We wanted our wedding to not only be a celebration of us, but of everyone invited. Love is love.”
To capture the candid moments of their wedding day, the couple hired Tampa Bay wedding photographer Rad Red Creative.
“Rad Red Creative was amazing! We could not have asked for better photographers. They captured everything we wanted and more. Leo and Brittany are truly able to show emotion, moments and love through a still photo,” Tara gushed. “It truly amazes me that every time we look at our photos we are transported to that same moment; we feel those same thoughts and emotions.”
Looking back, the couple's most memorable moment was realizing that the pair were officially married.
“The most memorable part of the entire wedding experience was the night of our wedding being able to lay in bed next to one another and let it sink it that we really are married. Marriage is something so many people take for granted – for us it's something that several years prior wasn't really an option. Being able to call the person you love most your spouse for the first time that was the most memorable.”
The Proposal:
We were in Whistler, Canada on a family vacation with Aubrey's family. We went on a gorgeous walk through the golf course, which was covered in snow. There was a patch of trees we went under while the snow was falling. While under the trees, Aubrey asked the question that I had been waiting for.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We looked for a photographer who could capture candid moments that matched our personalities.
Rad Red Creative was amazing! We could not have asked for better photographers. They captured everything we wanted and more. In the first moment we sat down to talk, our sense of humors really meshed (that and they bought us both a couple rounds of beer). Leo and Brittany are truly able to show emotion, moments and love through a still photo. It truly amazes me that every time we look at our photos we are transported to that same moment; we feel those same thoughts and emotions. We could not thank them more, and we can not wait for them to capture our lives and love for many years to come. They have definitely found lifetime customers in us. Love them!
What was your theme?
We chose a nautical theme since our favorite hobby is boating and fishing. We both grew up on the water and on boats, so we felt the nautical theme was most fitting with our likes as a couple. Aubrey is a devout fisherwoman so her bouquet was made out of fishing lures.
What were your colors?
Navy, white and coral. We chose them due to the nautical theme, and we wanted to add a splash of color for decorations.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Stay true to yourself. In the entire process of planning a wedding, it gets easy to fall into the trap of thinking you agree with other people's opinions. We really were able to do this, and with Aubrey's mom, on the front lines with us it really couldn't have gone better. It's your day; let it be inspired by the two of you.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Aubrey's Childhood Home
Photographer: Rad Red Creative
Planner: Allison Whitten Events
Florist: So Staged
Caterer: Chives Catering
Rentals: US Tent Rental
Cake: The Cake Zone
Band: Bay Kings Band
Officiant/Invitations/ Decor: Diana Moreland (Aubrey's Mom)
Transportation: Uber Events
Dress Shop: The White Closet, Casablanca Bridal and Enzoani
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: DIY
Hair & Makeup: Erika Mudafort
